Campbell University to Re-Join Big South Conference

CHARLOTTE, N.C. ? The Big South Conference Council of Chief Executive Officers has voted to add Campbell University as a full member of the League, beginning July 1, 2011, it was announced today by Big South Conference Commissioner Kyle B. Kallander. Campbell, a charter member of the Big South in 1983 until its departure in 1994, will be eligible to compete for all Big South championships immediately upon entry in 2011. The Camels will continue to compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference for the next two seasons (2009-10, 2010-11).

"It is most appropriate as we celebrate the Big South Conference's Silver Anniversary, that we welcome back one of our founding members, Campbell University," said Kallander. "The Big South is proud of its history and heritage, which includes many outstanding performances by Campbell student-athletes and coaches. The Big South Conference counts amongst its core values excellence in academics and athletics, leadership, integrity, diversity and fiscal responsibility. The addition of Campbell University reflects those values, and many more. Campbell will be an integral part of the Big South's efforts in developing leaders through athletics, and we are so pleased to have them back in the family."

"We are excited about Campbell's return to the Big South Conference," added Campbell University President Dr. Jerry M. Wallace. "The Big South's membership is located in an area where most Campbell students, alumni and major supporters reside. We will feel at home with the excellent and well-recognized universities of the Big South and look forward to the rivalries we will share."

Campbell sponsors 20 varsity sports at the Division I level, 17 of which are sponsored by the Big South: men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's tennis, baseball, softball, men's and women's golf, volleyball and men's and women's indoor and outdoor track & field. Campbell's football (Pioneer League) women's swimming (Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association) and wrestling (independent) programs will not compete in the Big South Conference.

The Camels enjoyed athletic and academic success as members of the Big South Conference from 1983-94. Campbell earned the Big South's first automatic bid in men's basketball in 1992 and in baseball in 1990, and was the first Conference champion in men's soccer (1984) and women's soccer (1993). Its women's basketball program was one of the League's best in the Conference's first decade, and its rivalry with Radford on the hardwood was epic. The teams faced each other in the women's basketball championship game six consecutive years from 1987 to 1992. Campbell's women's golf program was the first in Big South history to advance to the NCAA Regionals in 1994, and did so as an at-large selection.